Venus and Mars: War and Sexual Violence

Sandro Botticelli’s Venus and Mars is displayed at London’s National Gallery and was painted around 1485. These two pagan deities, of erotica and war respectively, are both dangerous beings. While violent Mars sleeps, he could wake at any moment; though Venus is portrayed as a modestly dressed woman, she is alert and watchful, her satyrs whispering in the other’s ear.   

Although Botticelli probably meant the picture to be an inspirational scene to adorn an Italian bedroom, it reminds me of our species’ propensity to violence and lust. The Women’s Media Centre estimate the number of times that rape was employed as a weapon of combat in the following conflicts:

Bosnia, 1992-95: 50,000-60,000

Colombia, 2001-09: 489,687

Democratic Republic of Congo, 2006-07: 434,000

Nanking, 1937: 20,000-80,000

Rwanda, 1994: 250,000-500,000

Sierra Leone, 1991-2002: 215,000-257,000

WWII, 1944-45: 2,000,000

Of course, estimates are estimates. But even if we took a tenth of these figures as being correct, the result is a sickening and disturbing glimpse into human depravity. Truly, Mars and Venus continue to enjoy a successful partnership. How I long for the day when Christ returns, ending the human spoliation of all that is beautiful and pure.

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Col 3:15